Protective breathing hood

ABSTRACT

A protective breathing hood comprising a hood made of a stretchable fire resistant material and which is also impermeable to gases and biologic material. The hood is sized and shaped for placing over a head of a user in an airtight manner with an opening of the hood scalingly engaging a neck portion of the user. At least a visor portion of the hood is transparent and a pair of respiratory units are disposed offset with respect to the nose location. Each respiratory unit comprises a housing formed with an inhalation flow path accommodating activated exhalation flow path fitted with a one way exhaling valve, wherein at a donned position of the hood a chamber is formed at a mouth/nose location thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with a protective breathing hood. Inparticular, the invention is concerned with a protective devicecollapsible into a pocket-sized article radially available and easilydonned for protecting an individual from the risk of inhaling hazardousmaterial, e.g. poisonous gases and biologic material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protective breathing hoods and masks are well known and a large varietyof such articles are available. These are used to ensure safe breathingin hazardous situations in which harmful or deadly gases are generatedor at the environment of biologic material, e.g. in the event of fireemergencies, chemical or biological industrial disasters or in case ofterror or warfare attacks.

Professional protective breathing equipment is used by professionalssuch as fire fighters, military units and is also known to be providedto citizens of some countries in which chemical/biologic war threatexists. Such equipment is typically more cumbersome and is used toprovide prolonged protection and in harsh conditions.

Recently, there has been ever growing interest in radially available,lightweight, portable protective breathing equipment for use bycivilians and which may be easily carried daily, e.g. in a purse, bag orradially stored at office buildings, etc. Such devices are designed foreasy donning in case of an emergency, e.g. outbreak of a fire, leak ofsome chemical substance or in case of a terror attack in whichbiological warfare agents such as anthrax germs are spread. In suchinstances time is a critical factor in survival.

For example, in case of fire breakout in buildings occupying many peoplesuch as large office buildings, hotels, and halls, where many peoplegather simultaneously, it may take a while until the professional teamsarrive, e.g. fire fighters, hazardous-material professionals, etc.,whereby it is advantageous that each and every person carry with him, orbe radially provided with a protective breathing mask.

U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 4,870,959 discloses a protective breathing maskcomprising a fire-resistant stretchable material shaped as a hood forwearing over and enclosing the head, fitted with a visor portion andwith filter materials sealingly attached to the stretchable materialwherein the filtering material comprises a plurality of fire-resistantflexible layers of material embedding therein activated charcoalparticles.

U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 5,875,775 as a structure which is basically similarto that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,959 with the improvementcomprising a one-way respirator adapted for maintaining the mouth andnose spaced apart from the filter portion for efficiently directingbreathing efforts to equalize inhalation airflow via substantially allof the filter while the one-way valve eases exhalation airflow andreduces condensation on the interior side of the visor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a personalprotective breathing mask which may be collapsed into a pocket-sizepackage, radially available for use and easily donned to provide aprotective breathing device which is affordable and instantly useful inprotecting individuals at the event of toxic air, chemical and biologicemergencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a protectivebreathing mask collapsible into a pocket-sized package comprising a hoodmade of a stretchable fire-resistant material and formed with at least avisor portion and a pair of respiratory units being in flowcommunication with a chamber formed when the hood is donned, whereininhalation compels airflow through an inhalation flow path of therespiratory units and exhalation compels easy airflow through theone-way exhaling valve of the respiratory unit.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a protectivebreathing hood comprising a hood made of a stretchable fire resistantmaterial and which is also impermeable to gases and biologic material,said hood sized and shaped for placing over a head of a user in anairtight manner with an opening of the hood sealingly engaging a neckportion of the user; at least a visor portion of the hood istransparent; and a pair of respiratory units disposed offset withrespect to the nose location; each respiratory unit comprising a housingformed with an inhalation flow path accommodating activated charcoalparticles, and an exhalation flow path fitted with a one way exhalingvalve, and wherein in a donned position of the hood a chamber is formedat a mouth/nose location thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housingcomprises an array of receptacles accommodating the charcoal particles;where each receptacle has an inlet opening and an outlet opening andwhere at least one of the inlet and outlet opening of each receptaclehas a cross-section smaller then a cross-section of the receptacle.

In accordance with a particular embodiment, the housing comprises anarray of receptacles defined by partitions extending between a proximalwall corresponding with an inside of the hood, and a distant wallcorresponding with an outside of the hood; said receptaclesaccommodating the charcoal particles; the walls comprising openingscorresponding with each receptacle and wherein the openings have across-section smaller then a cross-section of the receptacle. Thisarrangement ensures that inhaled air is compelled to flow throughactivated charcoal particles.

The chamber formed at the mouth/nose location of the hood may beinitially formed while production of the hood, e.g. in a moldingprocess. Alternatively, the chamber may be formed by one or moredeforming members which at the donned state of the hood deform a portioncorresponding with a mouth/nose location of the hood so as to projectoutwardly and form said chamber.

The deforming member may be made of a rigid though pliable materialwhich may comprise one or more integral hinging portions and which isnormally biased into a spaced apart position to thereby span and formsaid chamber. In accordance with one particular embodiment, thedeforming member is articulated to both respiratory units.

The activated charcoal particles is in the form of loose material whichmay be packed within the receptacle or may be embedded within a beddingmaterial (e.g. sponge material or other carrying matrix) or may beimpregnated into a charcoal cloth. The activated charcoal particles mayalso be formed with a suitable carrying matrix in the form of pelletsreceivable in the receptacles. Where it is desired to provide alsoprotection against biologic material, the respiratory units furthercomprise a biologic material barrier disposed in the inhalation flowpath. Such barrier material may be, for example, bacteriological filterin a paper-like form and the like.

In accordance with one particular embodiment of the present inventionthe hood is made of silicon material whereby in accordance with onespecific design the entire hood is transparent.

In order to ease mounting of the hood on an individual's head, a sealingneck portion of the hood may be plaited whereby extra material isprovided so as to increase stretching of the neck portion and to reducepressure around the individual's neck at the donned position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the invention and to see how it may becarried out in practice, some embodiments will now be illustrated in anon-limiting manner, by way of example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a protective breathing hood in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a protective hood in accordance with thepresent invention donned, over an individual's head;

FIG. 2B is a partial view sectioned at II-II in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of a couple of respiratory unitsarticulated to one another by a deforming member;

FIG. 3B is a rear isometric view of a couple of respiratory unitsarticulated by a deforming member;

FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned isometric view, from an inside, of arespiratory unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a respiratory unit in accordancewith the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a section through a portion marked VI-VI in FIG. 4, alsoillustrating gas flow through the respiratory unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1 and 2A of the drawingsillustrating the protective breathing hood generally designated 10 whichin FIG. 1 is in a flat position and in FIG. 2A is illustrated donnedover an individual's head 11.

The protective hood 10 comprises a hood 12 made of a stretchable fireresistant material, e.g. silicon rubber which may resist heat up toabout 400°-600° C. and which is an extremely elastic material whilstbeing impermeable to gases and biologic material.

The hood 12 has an opening 14 through which the head of an individual isintroduced and a neck sealing portion 16 which as illustrated in thefigures is plaited at 18 so as to allow good sealing engagement aboutthe individual's neck (see FIG. 2A) whilst not choking the individual orcausing an uncomfortable feeling. The arrangement is such that when thehood is donned over a user's head the sealing portion 16 sealinglyengages about the user's neck preventing ingress of obnoxious gases orbiologic material therethrough.

As can further be illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the protective hood 10further comprises a visor 20 which in the present example is a uniformtranslucent portion extending over both eyes made of a material which isalso a heat resistant material.

However, it is to be appreciated that the visor 20 may be formed inother shapes and forms, e.g. two eye pieces extending opposite the eyelocations of the hood or, the arrangement may be such that the entirehood 12 may be transparent and accordingly no particular visor isprovided.

The protective hood 10 is formed with two respiratory units 26 disposedoffset with respect to the nose/mouth location of the individual,indicated in the figures at 30.

The intersecting dashed lined marked F in FIG. 1 indicate a fold lineabout which the hood may be folded and may be preserved in a sealed,pocket-sized package other folding patterns are possible as well.

One other important character of the invention noticed in FIGS. 1, 2Aand 2B is the deformation of the hood at the nose/mouth location givingrise to forming an internal chamber C (see FIG. 2B) between thenose/mouth location 30 and the individual's face, the purpose of whichwill become apparent hereinafter. However, it is noticed that thechamber C renders respiratory units 26 to be is in flow communicationwith the nose and mouth of the individual.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there are illustrated a pair ofrespiratory units 26 articulated to one another by a supporting member38. The particular structure of the respiratory units 26 is disclosedhereinafter in detail with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

In the particular embodiment (FIGS. 3A and 3B), deforming member 38 ismade of a rigid plastic material formed with two ring-like portions 40clampingly secured to each of a pair of respiratory units 26, with anintermediate bridging portion consisting of two members 42A and 42B,though other constructions are possible as well and which at theassembled position, while donned over an individual's head, extend atthe nose/mouth location to thereby deform the hood 12 giving rise toforming chamber C (see also dashed lines in FIGS. 1 and 2A). Bridgingportions 42A and 42B are interconnected to the circular portions byintegral hinges at 44. For the sake of clarity, the supporting member 38is illustrated also in FIGS. 1 and 2A, by dashed lines.

Whilst in FIGS. 1 to 3 the deforming member 38 is in the form of a rigidmember extending between the two respiratory units, other arrangementsfor deformation of the mask may be employed as well, for the sake offorming a chamber C. For example, the respective nose/mouth portion 30may be provided with deforming ribs. Such ribs (not shown) may beintegrally molded during the process of molding the hood, e.g. made ofsilicon, or may be attached thereto by other means, e.g. adhering orwelding (e.g. heat or sonic, etc) the ribs may be made of a rigidmaterial other than that of the hood or may constitute an integral partthereof.

Further attention is now directed to FIGS. 4-6 for understanding theassembly and mode of operation of the respiratory units 26. In thepresent embodiment, each of the respiratory units comprises amulti-receptacle member 48 facing the inside of the protective hood anda cover member 50 facing the outside of the hood. Multi-receptaclemember 48 is formed with a plurality of receptacles 54 which in thepresent example have the shape of a honeycomb and a hexagonal section,though other shapes are possible as well, e.g. circular, etc. Each ofthe receptacles 54 has an outlet opening 56 which is covered by a finegrid 58, so as to prevent outflow of the activated charcoal particlesrecovered within the receptacles 54. Cover member 50 is similarly formedwith a plurality of inlet openings, each such openings fitted with afine grid 66 also serving to prevent outflow of the activated charcoalparticles 59 (seen in FIG. 6) received within the receptacles 54.

Co-axially received within each respiratory unit 26 there is a one-wayexhaling valve 70 which is in the form of a mushroom-type membrane valvewith a stem member 72 snapingly received within a central opening formedat the multi-receptacle member 48. A plurality of exhaling apertures 74are formed in the multi-receptacle member 48 to facilitate flow ofexhaled gases from the chamber C of the protective hood to thesurrounding environment, after deforming the mushroom-type valve andthen via the outlet apertures 78 formed in the cover member 50.

Typically, the respiratory units 26 are also fitted with abiologic-material barrier in the form of filtering paper 84 (which forthe sake of convenience and practicality is in the form of a singlesheet though other arrangements are available as well, e.g. individualpieces received in each of the receptacles 54).

Whilst in the present example, the receptacles 54 are stuffed withparticulated activated charcoal 59 (FIG. 6), it is to be appreciatedother forms of gas treating media is possible as well, e.g. uniform orlayers of impregnated charcoal cloth or other charcoal carrying media,e.g. particulated charcoal embedded within non woven material, e.g. inthe form of pellets, etc.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the size of inlet opening 62 andoutlet openings 56 is smaller than the actual size of the receptacles54. This arrangement ensures that inflow through the respiratory unitsis continuously treated and obnoxious material is absorbed by theactivated charcoal particles 59 obviating the need for thick filtrationmaterial on the one hand and on the other hand, providing extendedeffective use/filtration.

As can further be seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the receptacle member 92 isformed with an annular rim 90 and the cover member 50 is formed with acorresponding annular rim 94, the latter provided with gripping teeth 96at a outward facing portion thereof. The arrangement is such that at theassembled position the circular portion 40 of the deforming member 38 isclampingly received between rim portions 92 and 94. A retaining ring 100has a plurality of annular teeth 102 corresponding with teeth 96 of therim 94 and is adapted for clampingly receiving therebetween respectiveportions of the hood 12 (FIG. 6) wherein the ring 100 is snapinglysecured over the periphery of the cover member 50.

Reverting now to the issue of chamber C formed in the protective hood inaccordance with the present invention, as illustrated, for example inFIGS. 1 and 2, it is to be appreciated that such a chamber isadvantageous as it minimizes the feeling of suffocation in case such aprotective hood is stretched over an individual's breathing organisms(nose and mouth). Furthermore, the construction of a chamber (at timesreferred to as a breathing chamber, mixing chamber, speaking chamber,and other similar terms) enables an individual wearing the protectivehood to speak clearly. This is not facilitated in case of a hood whichis stretched over the individual's mouth. Still another advantage of thechamber resides in that the individual may breathe freely without havingto direct the exhaled gases through an particular outlet opening inwhich case speech becomes complicated or impossible.

1. A protective breathing hood comprising a hood made of a stretchablefire resistant material and which is also impermeable to gases andbiologic material, said hood sized and shaped for placing over a head ofa user in an airtight manner with an opening of the hood sealinglyengaging a neck portion of the user; at least a visor portion of thehood is transparent; and a pair of respiratory units disposed offsetwith respect to the nose location; each respiratory unit comprising ahousing formed with an inhalation flow path accommodating activatedcharcoal particles, and an exhalation flow path fitted with a one wayexhaling valve, and wherein in a donned position of the hood a chamberis formed at a mouth/nose location thereof.
 2. A protective breathinghood according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an array ofreceptacles accommodating the charcoal particles; where each receptaclehas an inlet opening and an outlet opening and where at least one of theinlet and outlet opening of each receptacle has a cross-section smallerthen a cross-section of the receptacle.
 3. A protective breathing hoodaccording to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an array ofreceptacles defined by partitions extending between a proximal wallcorresponding with an inside of the hood, and a distant wallcorresponding with an outside of the hood; said receptaclesaccommodating the charcoal particles; the walls comprising openingscorresponding with each receptacle and wherein the openings have across-section smaller then a cross-section of the receptacle.
 4. Aprotective breathing hood according to claim 3, wherein the partitionsare integral with one of the proximal wall and the distant wall.
 5. Aprotective breathing hood according to claim 2, wherein the openings arefitted with a grid.
 6. A protective breathing hood according to claim 1,wherein the activated charcoal particles are loose material packedwithin suitable receptacles.
 7. A protective breathing hood according toclaim 1, wherein the activated charcoal particles are loose materialembedded within a bedding material received within housing.
 8. Aprotective breathing hood according to claim 7 wherein the activatedcharcoal particles are impregnated in a charcoal cloth.
 9. A protectivebreathing hood according to claim 1, wherein the receptacles aredisposed in the form of a honeycomb.
 10. A protective breathing hoodaccording to claim 1, wherein the receptacles have a hexagonalcross-section.
 11. A protective breathing hood according to claim 1,wherein the receptacles have a circular cross-section.
 12. A protectivebreathing hood according to claim 1, wherein the visor portion isintegrally formed with the hood.
 13. A protective breathing hoodaccording to claim 1, wherein the hood is entirely transparent.
 14. Aprotective breathing hood according to claim 1, wherein the hood isprovided with one or more deforming members for deforming the hood so asto form the chamber at a mouth/nose location of the hood.
 15. Aprotective breathing hood according to claim 14, wherein the deformingmember is made of a rigid though pliable material.
 16. A protectivebreathing hood according to claim 15, wherein the deforming member isarticulated to both respiratory units and is foldable about an integralhinge formed at a middle portion thereof.
 17. A protective breathinghood according to claim 16, wherein the deforming member comprises twoarms, each articulated to a respective respiratory unit and beingnormally biased into a spaced apart position.
 18. A protective breathinghood according to claim 13, wherein the one or more deforming membersare reinforced ribs integrally formed with the hood.
 19. A protectivebreathing hood according to claim 18, wherein the hood is integrallymolded the reinforced ribs.
 20. A protective breathing hood according toclaim 1, wherein the breathing unit is sealingly fitted within anopening formed in the hood and fixed to the hood by a snap-typeengagement.
 21. A protective breathing hood according to claim 1,wherein a sealing neck portion of the hood is axially plaited.
 22. Aprotective breathing hood according to claim 1, wherein the airexhalation flow path and the inhalation flow path are coaxially disposedwithin a respiratory unit.
 23. A protective breathing hood according toclaim 6, wherein the loose activated charcoal particles is granulatedmaterial.
 24. A protective breathing hood according to claim 23, whereinthe size of the loose granulated activated charcoal particles is about0.5 to 1 mm.
 25. A protective breathing hood according to claim 1,wherein the respiratory units further comprise a biologic materialbarrier disposed in the inhalation flow path.
 26. A protective breathinghood according to claim 1, foldable into a pocket-sized package.
 27. Aprotective breathing hood according to claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the hood has a distinctive color.
 28. A protective hoodaccording to claim 1, wherein the hood is made of silicone rubber.
 29. Aprotective breathing hood according to claim 28, wherein the entire hoodis transparent.
 30. A protective hood according to claim 1, wherein theexhaling valve is a mushroom-type valve fitted into the housing.
 31. Aprotective hood according to claim 1, being a disposable one.